Pen Underwriting reshapes marine leadership team for 2026 growth

Pen Underwriting has announced a series of senior leadership appointments within its specialist marine practice as it prepares for further expansion in 2026.

All appointments take effect on 1 January 2026 and report to Seb Simmonds, managing director of Pen’s public sector and international division, which houses the marine practice.

The new structure retains Pen’s marine underwriting specialisms while introducing pan-practice roles to strengthen operational consistency and support strategic growth, the MGA said.

Tom Batterbury becomes managing director for Pen’s marine war and marine professional indemnity businesses, Vessel Protect and Freeboard, leading their underwriting teams.

Jack Buchan is appointed managing director of Fortify, Pen’s brown water hull specialist.

James King becomes managing director for Pen’s specialist ports and terminals facility, BMM Ports & Terminals.

Stephen Loader is appointed managing director of TMT, Pen’s marine trades business, responsible for property and liability cover for boat builders, repairers, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, clubs and marinas.

In addition, Munro Anderson moves from director of operations at Vessel Protect to become director of strategy and operations for the marine practice.

His new remit covers execution of the practice’s strategic vision and driving operational excellence across all specialisms.

James Kent, currently senior marine underwriter, takes on a new pan-practice role as commercial director, supporting product development, distribution strategy and carrier relationships across Pen’s marine portfolio.

As part of the changes, Paul Hartley and Chris Goddard, co-managing directors of marine, will leave the business on 1 January 2026.

Simmonds said the new structure positions the marine practice for its next phase of growth.

“Since we entered the specialist marine market in 2023, we have continued to invest in and enhance our proposition,” he said.

“Our focus now is on ensuring the practice is best positioned for future growth and expansion into adjacent product specialisms, while ensuring our existing marine specialisms continue to deliver quality service and solutions for brokers and clients.”

He thanked Hartley and Goddard for their contribution during the past two years.

“All those appointed today have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. Being able to promote from within speaks to the talent and bench strength across our marine underwriting teams,” Simmonds added.